SOL USII.5a, 5b
Turmoil and Change
Previous Unit
Progressive Movement
United States Becomes a Colonial Power
1890’s
Next Unit
U.S. Emerges as a World Power .
is about
the causes and results of the Spanish-American War
resulting in
starting with
I. Causes
II. Results

Protection of American business interests in Cuba

Cuba gained independence from Spain

American support of Cuban rebels to gain
independence from Spain

Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor

1.
2.
3.
United States gains territories overseas:
Guam
Philippines
Puerto Rico

Yellow journalism
United States seen as a world power
SELF-TEST QUESTIONS:
TERMS, PEOPLE AND PLACES
1. What were the causes of the Spanish-American War?
McKinley, William
Roosevelt, Theodore
U.S.S. Maine
Cuba
economic interest
2. What were the results of the Spanish-American War?
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Adapted from The Unit Organizer Routine. Copyright Lenz, 1994. www.contentenhancement.org
Guam
independence
international affairs
Philippines
possession
propaganda
public opinion
Puerto Rico
rebel
Rough Riders
world power
yellow journalism
How Does Imperialism Work:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Imperial Power taking over colony for power and getting
stronger.
Raw materials from the colony to the one that owns it.
Finished products from Imperial power to colony.
Show finished products being sold in the colony.
Show that the colony is a market.
Include a-e on page one.
CAPTION:_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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Imperialism 4 Square: The Spanish American WAR
Using Words or Pictures describe what happened.
Beginning
Middle
END
Middle
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Activity
The Spanish-American War U.S. II 5a
Before the United States declared war on Spain, journalists wrote exaggerated news stories to try and attract readers. Emotionally
charged writings such as these were called “yellow journalism.” These stories helped to turn public opinion in favor of the war.
Directions: Using 3-7 of the facts below, write an article in the yellow journalism style concerning the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine.

The U.S.S. Maine arrived in Havana Harbor, Cuba
on January 25, 1898.
 The ship’s forward gunpowder magazines exploded.
 350 officers and men on board that night
 As a result of the explosion, 260 men died
immediately. (Naval Historical Center)
 An additional six men died later from injuries.
 The ship exploded on February 15, 1898, at 9:40 p.m.
 When the explosion took place, most of the crew
were either resting or sleeping in their quarters.
 President McKinley was awakened by the news
around 2 a.m.
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www.pbs.org/crucible/ photos/headline6.gif
NEWSPAPER U.S. II 5a Article
You are a yellow journalist for a major United States Newspaper on January 25, 1898.
You must write an article, draw a picture, and create an article about the U.S. decision to
enter the Spanish America War.
1) The newspaper article must have an EXCITING HEADLINE.
Write it here.
2) The news article must tell WHO, WHERE, WHAT, WHEN, WHY, and HOW. Be
sure to use paragraph form, complete sentences and correct spelling and punctuation.
.
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Causes and Results of the Spanish-American War
Main Idea
Main Idea
Causes
Results
Essential Details
Essential Details
Protection of American businesses in
Cuba
Cuban independence from Spain
American support of Cuban rebels to
gain independence from Spain.
United States gained land overseas
U.S.S. Maine sunk in Havana Harbor
Guam, Philippines, and Puerto Rico
became United States territories
Yellow journalism
United States emerged as a world
power
So what? What is important to understand about this?
The United States expanded its interest in world affairs and acquired new territories.
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